Readers' tips

Make your overseas family holiday a safe one

1. Research the destination

When planning overseas travel, you should seek information from a wide range of resources: news, travel and lifestyle media outlets, friends and family members who have visited the destination before, user-generated review websites and forums.

Smartraveller.gov.au should be used as a resource for anyone planning travel. It includes travel warnings and advice, as well as comprehensive information on safety and security, laws, health and where to seek help if needed. Visit the Travelling with Children page.

Be aware of regulations in some countries for children travelling alone (i.e. South Africa). This is something to consider if you are a single parent or if something unexpected happens to both parents.

2. Check passports

Check ALL the family’s passports have at least 6 months validity before booking, or at least before leaving for the airport – or one member of the family might not be allowed onto the flight. You need at least 3 weeks to get a new passport.

Check the implications of travelling as a dual national on another passport. You may not be able to receive consular assistance from the Australian government if you or your children are travelling on another passport, (or compulsory military service may apply to adult children with ancestry of that country).

Take copies/scans of all important documents and leave them at home with loved ones.

3. Make a plan with the kids

Consider talking to older children about the more serious safety and security issues in the country you’re visiting and how to mitigate these risks.

Consider a range of options to give your kids' confidence to act if something does go wrong (i.e. hotel card or contact details for family at home). Talk to them about choosing a safe local cab, learn a few key phrases together to get help and give them a small amount of spare cash as a backup.

Develop a healthcare plan if family members need to travel with certain medications.

Talk to your doctor or healthcare provider ahead of your trip to make sure you’re prepared.

Include supplies of the right medications, as well as the right paperwork, such as a letter from your doctor or a prescription.

Check to make sure medications you plan to travel with are not illegal in your destination(s) – check the ST prescriptions page or with the relevant embassy.

Image credit: Hawaii Tourism

Image credit: Hawaii Tourism

4. Choose the right travel insurance for you

Ensure your insurance policy covers all family members, the place(s) you are travelling to, the activities you plan to do (i.e. car hire, extreme sports, items left in the hire car like a teddy bear!), and any pre-existing medical conditions.

Families who are well prepared can – in many instances – resolve issues through having the right insurance, or with the help of family, friends, travel agents or employers.

5. Talk to your GP

Sort vaccinations (if necessary):

Check if vaccinations are recommended or compulsory for the destination(s) you’re travelling to. Children can be especially vulnerable to some illnesses, so it’s important to get the right vaccinations.

If vaccinations are needed, ensure you visit a travel doctor with enough time to get the full course of injections needed.